A top Realtor in the Savannah area. Jeri Patrick has a team with an established history of success of selling homes in and around the Savannah Area. Jeri specializes in the home buying and selling process and is available to answer any of your real estate questions, provide information and handle any obstacles that may arise.
Jeri Patrick began her Real Estate careers in 2002. Jeri’s strong ambition to be a success created a driving force in today’s real estate market.

Saturday, October 27, 2012

A Buyers agent is bringing a potential buyer to your home in 15 minutes. What can
you do to make your home presentable in such short time? Follow these quick tips
to get your home ready for its best showing when you have 30 minutes or less.

Start at the beginning:

Make sure that the front door presents well.

Sweep steps, if needed.

Pick up any toys, tools or other out-of-place objects and store them away
quickly.

Head inside:

Open window treatments and turn on the lights.

Put any dirty dishes in the dishwasher.

Make the beds.

Put any dirty laundry inside the washing machine.

If you still have time:

Quickly run the vacuum and/or sweeper to give carpets and floors a fresh
look.

Wipe down counters and tabletops.

Warm some vanilla on the stove or have cookie dough ready to put in the oven
to give the house a welcoming scent.

It would be wonderful to have your home is showcase condition 24 hours a day,
but we understand that you live there. It is important to present your house in
the best light and make it available to as many qualified buyers as possible.

Selling your home involves much more than just placing a "For Sale" sign in
your yard and going to the closing. As a REALTOR®, I am here to help you prepare
your home for sale, market your home, and guide you through the sale process to
ensure you sell your home within your time frame and get the best price
possible.

As your REALTOR®, I will determine the correct price range for your home,
point out things you should do to make your home more appealing to buyers, and
devise the most effective plan of action. Here are some of the steps we will
take to sell your home:

Review the selling process without the technical jargon

Perform a comparative market analysis

Determine the list and target prices

Market your property

Keep communication open

Present the purchase agreement

Factors That Affect Your Home's Sale

There are three main factors that determine how marketable your home is:
price, financing, and time.

Price - If your home is priced too high, you must
be willing to wait much longer for your home to sell. Either it will take that
much longer to find someone to pay more than the home is worth, or the market
will eventually catch up to the asking price of the home through inflation.

Financing - You may not realize it, but the
financing of your buyer can have a tremendous impact on the success of selling
your home. Try to offer very attractive financing options. Consider carrying the
financing yourself at a below-market interest rate or preparing your home for
government financing. This could open the door for many buyers that otherwise
wouldn't even consider your home.

Time - If your time frame is important then you
must be willing to lower the price.

How Much Should You Ask for Your Home?

Of course you want to get the full market value for your home. The first step
to getting the best price is to determine your home's value. Your REALTOR® can
help you set an asking price by taking the following factors into consideration:

Your home's value may depend on recent selling prices of comparable homes in
your area. After reviewing the selling prices for such homes, the price is
adjusted according to current market trends.

Buyers most likely look in the price range determined by their monthly
payment ability and down payment. Buyers are often very knowledgeable in their
price range and purchase by comparison. Unreasonable asking prices are an
immediate turn-off.

Inviting a potential buyer to make an offer shows that you are willing to
bargain. However, if your asking price is outrageous, the buyer's offer will
most likely also be unreasonable.

It's necessary to offer pricing, terms and conditions that are competitive
in your market. This will help you sell faster and get the full market value.

There is a lot to consider when buying your new or next home. You
want to make sure that you make the BEST choice for YOU and your family. Choosing the right home,
the right neighborhood, the perfect floorplan - it can become overwhelming. It
doesn't have to be. You can prepare with a list of the most
important factors you want in your home.

On your list, include a list of "needs vs. wants" in a
home. This doesn't mean you can't have what you want in your home, but rather
that you have a priority list of the most important features. You may not be
able to obtain all the "want" items on your list, within your budget. You may
have to compromise on a few items to stay in line with your budget, but your needs are items that you cannot be compromised.

The steps one must go through to getting a mortgage. By making yourself familiar with the process, you will better
understand what is required of you and how to prepare. After all, the
more knowledgeable you are the more comfortable and in control you will
feel.

1. Organize Your Documents

In order to obtain a mortgage, your lender will require certain
documentation from you to make sure that you will have the ability to repay the
loan you take out. Such documentation includes proof of employment, credit
history, tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, divorce and child support
statements if applicable, as well as any other information that the lending
company feels might be necessary.

2. Qualification

Before you apply for a loan, getting qualified will help you establish how
much you can borrow. When purchasing a home, there are two options one may
choose from to qualify for a loan. The first option, pre-qualification, is a
quick process that usually happens in a matter of minutes. While
pre-qualification is helpful, your other option – pre-approval – is more
beneficial and gives you better leverage when negotiating with the seller.
Getting pre-approved also lets you focus on homes within your price range
instead of wasting time looking at homes that you won’t be able to afford.
Finally, when it comes time to close, the process will go rather quickly since
your loan has already been approved.

3. Find the Right Loan Program

While searching for the right loan program, there are many things to take
into consideration. For example, you might want to think about how long you plan
on keeping the loan. The length of your residence will determine the type of
loan you want to get (i.e. adjustable or fixed). To figure out which loan
program is the best, one will need to compare different programs and everything
that each one involves such as rates, fees and points. The whole process can be
tedious and difficult at times, which is why a qualified loan officer can help
you make the right decision.

4. Obtain Loan Approval

The process of obtaining loan approval involves the following steps:

Review of loan application (Be sure to fill it out completely).

Verification of credit history, employment history, assets such as bank
accounts and mutual funds, property value and any additional information that
the lender might require

There are also a few things that you can do to improve your chances of
getting the loan approved.

For any requests of additional documents and information, respond promptly.

Do not make any major purchases such as a car or new furniture until the
loan is closed. Increasing your debt can have the opposite affect on your
application.

Make sure you will be in town for the closing date. If you cannot be there
for the closing of the loan, you can carry out a power of attorney to authorize
someone to sign on your behalf.

5. Close the Loan

Once the loan is approved, your next step will be to sign the final loan
documents, which usually takes place in the presence of a notary public. Be sure
to verify the information within the document, especially the interest rate and
loan terms. Also check to see if your name and address are correct. Finally,
don’t forget to bring a cashier’s check for your down payment and closing
costs.

Setting a Time FrameThere are a lot of
variables in the home-buying process, which means the time it takes to find and
buy your new home varies too. A typical home search process may take three to
four months consisting of: the mortgage approval process, comparing and
evaluating properties, making an offer and the closing process. The loan process
typically takes 30-45 days.

The Lending ProcessPerhaps one of the
most intimidating aspects of buying a home is the mortgage approval process.
I'll be there to help guide you through this, but there are many ways you can
prepare early to make the process smoother. Start by making sure your budget is
under control. Make a list of all your monthly expenses, compare it with your
income, and see if adjustments need to be made. You should also try to pay off
small credit card balances. Start gathering documents you may need, such as W-2
forms, income tax returns for the past few years, pay stubs, records of child
support or alimony, bank statements for the past several months, and your credit
report. Also, be sure to allow for closing costs. Getting several offers will
allow you to compare loans and get the best deal.

Determining How Much You Can AffordA
general guideline to consider is that most buyers purchase a home that costs
about one and a half to two and half times their current annual income. For
example, a couple earning $100,000 a year might purchase a home for $175,000 to
$250,000. Mortgage payments should be about 26-28 percent of your gross monthly
income. Existing debt is also considered in the mortgage process, and total debt
payments (car payments, credit cards, student loans, etc.) should not exceed 40
percent of your gross monthly income.

Finding a Home That Meets Your Needs and
WantsBefore you start looking at properties, make a list of
"must-have" features along with optional features you'd like to have.
"Must-have" features may include the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you'll
need to accommodate your family, location (consider commute to work, which
schools your children will attend, etc.), lot size and special needs
(handicapped access, etc.). Optional features may include the architectural
styling, bay windows, landscaping, etc. Having a clear idea of what you want in
a home will help your REALTOR® find the perfect property for you.

Educating yourself about the home-buying process is the key
to getting a home you love and can afford. As your REALTOR®, Jeri Patrick is here to answer any questions you might have and guide you through
this process.

Buying a home is an exciting but often overwhelming experience, particularly if
you are buying your first home. As your REALTOR®, Jeri Patrick can help you
through the homeing process and assure that you find the right home for you and your family, at the right price
for you.

All homebuyers have a number of concerns and questions, all of which Jeri
can help you with.

One of Jeri's many specialties is representing the best interests of Savannah, Pooler,
Port Wentworth, Richmond Hill and Effingham County area buyers throughout the
home buying process. Her comprehensive, high-quality services can save you time
and money, as well as make the experience more enjoyable and less stressful.

What part of Savannah, GA is in the charming downtown part? But where all the gorgeous homes are. The kind with the Southern opulence and old world charm. I would love to buy a home out there and rent it out and then have ready for my retirement or vacation. Do you think living in Savannah full time is nice? Or is a tourist town?

Today I will be taking my kids for their scheduled yearly check-up and one thing I can tell you is that they will most certainly ask "do I have to get a shot?" My answer will be "Yes." They will then ask "is it going to hurt?" My answer will be "Yes it will hurt but only for a second and then the pain will fly away."

If Realtors would tell sellers that what they want and what they will get are worlds apart then maybe sellers wouldn't be in as much pain as they are in at the moment!

Everyday I day I see the MLS update feed and most all updates are changes in price......a lower price......a price that has sometimes changed 2 and 3 times !!!!

If you have bought within the last 5 years and you have to sell...it's going to hurt...... but just for a little bit.

Build the custom home of your dreams with the Country Club lifestyle you have been longing for. Endless activities and upscale conveniences representing the peak of luxury harmoniously fused with Greg Norman Signature Golf Course.

Why are you still paying rent? Trot on over to Southbend. Conveniently located next to South Effingham High. Synergy built homes with extended warranties,closing cost, plus 100% financing available. Now is the time to make this home your own with personalized selections. Don't miss your opportunity

Friday, October 26, 2012

OPPORTUNITY!!! GALLOP OVER TO THIS WONDERFUL NEW HOME BEING BUILT BY SYNERGY DESIGNER HOMES IN ESTABLISHED NEIGHBORHOOD NEXT TO SOUTH EFFINGHAM HIGH SCHOOL. THESE HOMES WILL NOT LAST LONG,FOR LESS THAN THE COST OF RENTING AND 100% FINANCING AVAILABLE. NOW IS THE TIME TO MAKE YOUR OWN SELECTIONS.

Gallop over to Southbend and see what all the excitement is about! You will find Synergy Designer Homes is completing an established South Effingham Community with very desirable location, yet even more desirable prices. Now is the time to personalize with you own selections and colors.

Trot on over to see these new homes by Synergy Designer Homes next to South Effingham High. With 100% financing available, Builder paid closing cost, extended warranties, plus beating foreclosure prices...there has never been a better opportunity. These South Effingham homes will not last long!

Immediate cash flow on this Investment or a perfect first time charmer. This home is ready for immediate occupancy. Great view of community park. Recently updated. Convenient location. This is why NOW is a great time to buy!

Great Opportunity. If your goal is to live in a home that is truly built for you. A home that enhances your lifestyle, reflects your personal taste and supports your unique set of values.Now is the time to act....only a few BANK OWNED lots available in The Enclave, an exclusive gated community.

Enjoy country living where your neighbor is more than a stone throw away. Desirable Bryan County Schools.Open floor plan with over 1900 heated sqft spacious kitchen,tons of counter/cabinet space and breakfast bar. Large private backyard great for enjoying relaxing evenings. 100% Financing Available.

Better than new this Stuart is the optimal home with 4 true bedrooms. Move in Ready with fenced backyard, security system and mature landscaping Lots of home for the $$$ in amenity filled Bradley Pointe.Large living room.Eat-in kitchen. Minutes from Hunter,short drive to Ft Stewart yet barely lived.

The optimal home for growing family with serene country setting. Huge master with the ideal closet. loft upstairs for extra living space plus bonus room which could serve as 5th bedroom. County living with large 1/2 acre homesites and community amenities. Gotta see. Lotta of home, not a lotta $$$!

Secludedly tucked away, Hidden Creek is ideal for the growing family;offering plenty of space both inside and out situated on 1/2 acre. Master on main with large spare bedrooms upstairs. Plus the advantages to buying new such as spray foam insulation and extended builder warranties.

HGTV lover's Dream! Charming all brick home on quiet cul-de-sac. Beautifully shaded yard offers a mass of outdoor living space. Classic interior is inviting and ready to welcome a family yet presents a great restoration opportunity while you enjoy living in your new home.Cozy neighborhood. Must See!

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Henderson Golf Club

The Henderson Golf Club, located near the intersection of GA HWY 17 and GA HWY 204, is a premiere golf community located in Southside Savannah, Georgia. Its location makes it convenient to the Savannah Mall, L. Scott Stell park, schools, the Hunter and Ft. Stewart military bases, Richmond Hill and Hinesville.Henderson Golf Club is the favored golf course in Savannah and has been voted Savannah’s best and most affordable public golf club. The Club has also hosted several Georgia PGA events and offers affordable memberships and golf course classes. As you play this quality course, local wildlife can be seen in the background such as deer, blue heron, foxes and egrets. After your round of golf, relax in the clubhouse and enjoy the community’s natural beauty.
Looking for some new golf gear? The full-service Golf Shop offers everything you need for a great round of golf whether you’re buying for yourself or as a gift!
The practice facilities are lighted and specially designed to improve all aspects of your golfing game. For more one on one instruction, a variety of classes are offered at the Savannah Golf School.
And when you need to refuel after a long day of golf, The Clubhouse Bar and Grill serves delicious sandwiches and salads.
Henderson’s mature landscaping offers a beautifully laid out community featuring amenities such as swimming pools, biking paths and of course golf right through your own neighborhood!
Synergy Designer Homes, a local family owned premier homebuilder company with over 30 years combined experience, is now building new homes in one of the last lots in the Back 9 at Henderson Golf Club. Now is your final chance to own a unique new home built by a local builder in this quality, yet affordable community!

WaterWays Township

Inspired by the freedom of water, WaterWays Township is a new golf-course community in Richmond Hill, Georgia that will offer a waterfront living experience enhanced by its numerous lakes, 6 ½ miles of marsh frontage, 1000 acres of ancient oak hammocks, and 3 ½ miles of lagoons. The community is bordered not only by the miles of marsh lands but also 2000 acres of state-owned wildlife conservation areas.
The land boasts a rich history from the first Native American civilizations over 5,000 years ago to the Spanish mission of San Diego de Satuache built on the Ogeechee River in the 1500’s, the many cotton, silk and rice plantations that developed and the many mills and dykes that were destroyed during the Civil War, to the Cottonham Plantation built in the 1920’s by Henry Ford who revitalized the Bryan County area by building schools, homes and a sawmill, to the ever-growing modern communities that exist today.
WaterWays Township will offer many homes for sale in Richmond Hill, Georgia that range from the relaxed yet elegance of low-country styled homes to the more traditional southern-styled brick homes. While some may find these homes more contemporary, others may see historic architecture that reflect another time and place. Inspired by this unique and diverse coastal habitat, homeowners will be encouraged to build new houses with outstanding character and lasting appeal.
Water Ways Township has many first-class amenities planned for the community such as the proposed Swim and Fitness Club which will feature adult and family swimming pools, state-of-the art fitness facility, dining room, poolside grill, sunning beach, waterfall and views of the golf course, tennis complex and Grand Lagoon. The club will be accessible by canoe, kayak or electric boat.
Also under construction is the 18-hole championship golf course designed by Tom Fazio a leading course architect. The course will feature unexpected elevation changes, a view of Grand Lagoon and surrounding lakes, world-class practice facility, dedicated short game area and its core course design will offer an enhanced golfing experience.
For those who like to fish, WaterWays has partnered with Bill Dance, America’s most respected fishing legend to create the Bill Dance Signature Lake, a true championship-caliber fishing experience using his proven system of fish habitat creation.
At the WaterWays Marina, the planned full-service Bryan County Boat Launch facility will be located along Redbird Creek with direct access to the Intercoastal Waterway, the Ogeechee River and, after a short trip, the Atlantic Ocean and her barrier islands.
WaterWays Township is located just 15 miles from I-95 and 31 miles from Savannah, Georgia.

The Lakes at Cottonvale

Welcome to The Lakes at Cottonvale, a new homes community that features single family homes at an affordable price. “Location, Location, Location!” The Lakes at Cottonvale is located in Chatham County, just outside the city limits of Savannah, Georgia. Shopping is within ½ mile at the beautiful Berwick Market Place which features a new Kroger Super grocery store and gas station, several restaurants, and a variety of specialty shops.
Convenient to Hunter Army Airfield and Fort Stewart military bases, The Lakes at Cottonvale is also in close proximity to Savannah’s two shopping malls, the beautiful beaches at Tybee Island on the East, and the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport on the West.
The Lakes at Cottonvale is in its final stages, with only four Regal Builders homes left. Each home is priced below $150,000 and includes a brick front, a double car garage, and many other Builder features. These new homes for sale in Savannah, Georgia are skillfully designed to offer open and spacious living areas, either on a private or lagoon home site. Come out today and discover the house you have always dreamed of in a community you can truly make home!

The Savannah Area

Meet Savannah, a historic city with a revered past, a vibrant present and an exciting future. Savannah, Est. 1733, brims with an atmosphere and charm fostered by residents who have cherished and preserved its past. Their love of history is embodied in the beautifully restored homes, churches and public buildings that grace the city’s unique, tree-filled squares and that affection has given rise to a tourism industry that’s boomed dramatically since the mid-1990s.
Energized by the upsurge in tourism and other positive economic factors, Savannah is in the enviable position of being able to use its past to enhance its present and future. The city’s Historic Landmark District is in the midst of a commercial revitalization that’s spreading to the midtown Victorian District and spilling over into the eastside islands, the fast-growing Southside and the industrialized areas west of Savannah.
Today nearly 300,000 people call the Savannah area their home. Many have been drawn here because of the opportunities for future growth. The economy here is based mainly on ports, manufacturing, tourism and the military. Savannah continues to maintain steady growth and is the heart beat of a prospering Georgia economy providing opportunities to families looking for a community with a future, economic stability and a stellar quality of life. We welcome you to become a part of our community, enjoy the family-friendly lifestyle, the great outdoors and to be a part of a growing community and region

Historic District

Many residents of the 2.5-square-mile Historic Landmark District can claim the city’s verdant squares as their front yards. Although the north end of the District is commercial in character, numerous blocks of the area are solidly residential. Historic homes in need of restoration are still available. Newcomers will also find a good selection of restored homes, the result of 50 years of preservation efforts, and new construction in the form of townhouse condominiums crafted to blend into the historic atmosphere of the District.

Victorian District

Adjacent to the Historic District, this first southward expansion of the city is attracting more and more folks interested in restoring two- and three-story frame houses in need of repair. The area becomes more popular in this regard as the number of restorable houses in the Historic District shrinks.

Ardsley Park

Savannah’s first suburb, laid out in 1910, is a mixture of prestigious four- and five-bedroom mansions and quaint, craftsman-style bungalows situated on tree-lined streets. The Ardsley Park area — located in Midtown — has become one of the city’s “hottest” neighborhoods, favored by young professionals and families.

Gordonston

This secluded neighborhood in eastside Savannah is similar to Ardsley Park in character, but it’s considerably smaller and hasn’t been “discovered” to the extent that its “big brother” to the southwest has.

Thunderbolt

Located just east of Savannah’s city limits, Thunderbolt is an historic maritime town and the site of docks used by shrimp fishermen. Originally incorporated as Warsaw in 1856, Thunderbolt owes its current name to the legend of a lightning strike that created a freshwater spring along the Wilmington River bluff. A number of luxury condominium developments with breathtaking views have sprung up along the riverfront.

The Islands

Home buyers in search of a less-historic but easy-going setting might consider the islands east and southeast of downtown Savannah. One of these, Tybee, is a barrier island fronting on the Atlantic Ocean. The others are separated from the mainland by rivers or tidal creeks, but all of the islands exude the “getting-away-from-it-all” feeling that comes when you cross a stretch of tranquil marshland on your way home from work or school.

West Chatham County

Much of the Savannah area’s industry is concentrated in west Chatham, and it’s also the site of four municipalities and Southbridge and Savannah Quarters — two fast-growing golf communities. The towns of the area — Bloomingdale, Garden City, Pooler and Port Wentworth — are well-established residential areas that serve as home to much of the work force of the industries located there.

Bryan County

This county south and southwest of Savannah offers a unique blend of piney woods and marshland. The fastest-developing part of Bryan is near the coast. It’s Richmond Hill, a bustling bedroom community that was once the winter quarters of famed industrialist Henry Ford.

Effingham County

Fast-developing Effingham offers home buyers a choice of residential areas with different characters — on-the-go Rincon, quaint Guyton, and Springfield, the county seat. Rincon, beginning to resemble a bedroom community of the magnitude of Richmond Hill, is mushrooming as the Savannah area gradually spreads west. However, all three municipalities retain their country-style atmosphere.

Weichert, REALTORS®-The Sumner Group is a fresh and imaginative group of real estate professionals who have pooled their resources and knowledge creating an exciting model for conducting successful real estate transactions. We are constantly staying on the cutting edge of real estate technology and the ever changing real estate markets.
We view ourselves as partners with our clients, customers and our community. Weichert, REALTORS®-The Sumner Group aims to become a regionally recognized real estate leader who is in touch with our clients interests and needs. Providing consistency, effectiveness and hard work is our goal.

Sell Your Home the Weichert Way

#1: Dynamic Marketing

When you receive your complimentary marketing presentation from a Weichert Sales Associate, it will be customized for your particular home. Wait until you see all we’ll do to attract buyers to your home. Our trusted name and well-known yellow signs are just the beginning. We’ll also reach out through advertising, direct mail and neighborhood calling, not to mention our unique use of the Internet described below.

#2: Online Strategy

When you list with us, we make certain that the right buyers can readily find your listing on the Internet, where 90% of all buyers are searching.* Our unique “Quick Connect” service links buyers who express interest in your home directly with a Sales Associate who can supply more details and quickly set up an appointment to show your home. What’s more, we’ll automatically notify everyone whose search criteria match your home. We’ll even give your home additional exposure on other leading sites, including realtor.com**, yahoo real estate, nytimes.com, Trulia.com and Zillow.com.

#3: Strategic Pricing

Unlike other real estate companies that use a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), we’ve invented our own exclusive method called the Weichert Price Trend Analysis***. By projecting local trends, it helps us go beyond the CMA in order to suggest a price that reflects your home’s true market value.

#4: Open House Program

No other real estate company is as committed to Open Houses. Any Weichert Sales Associate will be happy to tell you about everything that goes into making the most of an Open House – from attracting attention beforehand to providing more assistance to everyone who attends to following up with all interested prospects directly afterward.

#5: Teamwork

Every Weichert Sales Associate works closely with a Weichert Gold® Services Manager**** who is a financial expert. He or she makes sure we highlight your home’s affordability, then works to qualify buyers and to provide them with the financing they need to purchase your home.

#6: Neighborhood Specialists

Weichert Sales Associates are the best and most thoroughly trained in the industry. They will use their thorough knowledge of your neighborhood to bring your home to the attention of the people most likely to buy your home.

In order to be called a REALTOR®, Jeri Patrick has demonstrated that they have a greater understanding, and more experience, than legal requirements. In addition to this, REALTORS® everywhere, including Jeri Patrick, follow superior professional standards when they are hired to deal with your needs in the real estate market.
It is easy to find the right REALTOR® that is uniquely qualified to serve you when you use REALTOR.com®. Learn more about Jeri Patrick here.

Find out about a real estate agent or broker you are considering from detailed profiles on REALTOR.com®. Find an agent's average listing price, how many homes they are currently have listed, find their specializations, designations and certifications, and even see any upcoming open houses they may have listed. Link to any of an agent's listings from their profile, as well as to an agent's blog or group's website. You can also contact an agent with a single click from his or her profile, or find information so that you contact them by phone.

In order to be called a REALTOR®, Jeri Patrick has demonstrated that they have a greater understanding, and more experience, than legal requirements. In addition to this, REALTORS® everywhere, including Jeri Patrick, follow superior professional standards when they are hired to deal with your needs in the real estate market.
It is easy to find the right REALTOR® that is uniquely qualified to serve you when you use REALTOR.com®. Learn more about Jeri Patrick here.

Find out about a real estate agent or broker you are considering from detailed profiles on REALTOR.com®.

In today’s complex and difficult real estate market you need a professionals who will do whatever it takes to market and sell your home. Jeri Patrick has a team with an established history of success of selling homes in and around the Savannah Area. Jeri specializes in the home buying and selling process and is available to answer any of your real estate questions, provide information and handle any obstacles that may arise. So if you are looking for homes for sale in Savannah, Richmond Hill, Rincon, Pooler, and the surrounding lowcountry then you’ve come to the right place!

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

One of the few bright spots in the mortgage malaise of our current recession has been the advent of the Fannie Mae Desktop Underwriting (DU) Refi Plus program and Freddie Mac My Refinance Program, also known as “HARP.” It has had a few renditions, but the current version is great. The amazing thing is that a lot of people aren’t taking advantage of it. When one considers the benefits, it’s hard to imagine an eligible borrower wouldn’t take advantage, but that is exactly what is going on.
The basics of HARP is that it allows underwater borrowers to refinance their homes if they meet the following criteria, namely:

The underlying loan is owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac;

The borrower is current on their loan payments;

The borrower has a FICO of 620 or higher; and

The existing loan closed prior to June 1, 2009

Many borrowers believe that because they filled out a loan application with Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Citi or US Bank that it is a foregone conclusion that one of these banks own their loan. However, nothing could be further from the truth. By and large, if a borrower has a loan that is less than $625,000, for which they submitted paystubs, tax returns, bank statements, and W-2s, there is a high probability (90%+) that either Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac owns their loan. At this point, a borrower needs to pick up the phone and dial the 1-800 number shown on their mortgage statement and wait to speak to a live individual in customer service. Upon reaching a live person, the borrower should ask the point blank question “who owns my loan?” With that query, the borrower should get a response of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the FHA, or the least favorable option of “a private investor.”
If the customer service representative says that Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac owns the loan and the loan was closed before June 1, 2009, there is a ray of hope that something can be done. With a 620 FICO and gainful employment, a borrower with a 6.875% interest rate may be able to cut their rate in half. The advantages are numerous. The Loan-to-Value (LTV) can go up to 150%. Combined LTV percentages can be unlimited. Loans with Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) are allowed. Appraisals can be waived. Not only can primary residences be refinanced, but vacation homes, and non-owner occupied properties can be refinanced as well. So, if one can, they should take advantage of this program while it exists. Surprisingly, within a 10-mile radius of one’s home, you may find 2,000 houses that have not taken advantage; recently, I’ve checked in my neighborhood.
Therefore, with any good program, if you are HARP eligible, you should take advantage of it. While the Federal government has instituted it now, it can be revoked. As it is said on so many late night infomercials “call now, while this limited time offer is still available!”

One of the few bright spots in the mortgage malaise of our current recession has been the advent of the Fannie Mae Desktop Underwriting (DU) Refi Plus program and Freddie Mac My Refinance Program, also known as “HARP.” It has had a few renditions, but the current version is great. The amazing thing is that a lot of people aren’t taking advantage of it. When one considers the benefits, it’s hard to imagine an eligible borrower wouldn’t take advantage, but that is exactly what is going on.
The basics of HARP is that it allows underwater borrowers to refinance their homes if they meet the following criteria, namely:

The underlying loan is owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac;

The borrower is current on their loan payments;

The borrower has a FICO of 620 or higher; and

The existing loan closed prior to June 1, 2009

Many borrowers believe that because they filled out a loan application with Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Citi or US Bank that it is a foregone conclusion that one of these banks own their loan. However, nothing could be further from the truth. By and large, if a borrower has a loan that is less than $625,000, for which they submitted paystubs, tax returns, bank statements, and W-2s, there is a high probability (90%+) that either Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac owns their loan. At this point, a borrower needs to pick up the phone and dial the 1-800 number shown on their mortgage statement and wait to speak to a live individual in customer service. Upon reaching a live person, the borrower should ask the point blank question “who owns my loan?” With that query, the borrower should get a response of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the FHA, or the least favorable option of “a private investor.”
If the customer service representative says that Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac owns the loan and the loan was closed before June 1, 2009, there is a ray of hope that something can be done. With a 620 FICO and gainful employment, a borrower with a 6.875% interest rate may be able to cut their rate in half. The advantages are numerous. The Loan-to-Value (LTV) can go up to 150%. Combined LTV percentages can be unlimited. Loans with Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) are allowed. Appraisals can be waived. Not only can primary residences be refinanced, but vacation homes, and non-owner occupied properties can be refinanced as well. So, if one can, they should take advantage of this program while it exists. Surprisingly, within a 10-mile radius of one’s home, you may find 2,000 houses that have not taken advantage; recently, I’ve checked in my neighborhood.
Therefore, with any good program, if you are HARP eligible, you should take advantage of it. While the Federal government has instituted it now, it can be revoked. As it is said on so many late night infomercials “call now, while this limited time offer is still available!”

When it comes to presenting a home to buyers, some sellers are clueless.
Are your sellers’ homes leaving buyers with a bad impression? REALTOR® Magazine received more than 50 responses from buyer agents who revealed their pet peeves when touring homes with clients—offenses that, they say, have buyers racing for the door.
After 20 years of showings, Elke W. McMenemy, ABR, CIPS, broker-owner at St. Augustine Real Estate Inc. in St. Augustine, Fla., has practically seen it all, from the “fully loaded litter boxes” to the “roach-infested ovens.”
“These situations have proven to be frustrating and embarrassing to my buyers and me,” McMenemy says.

Oh No They Didn't!
Read the “Hall of Fame of Worst Showing Offenses” and submit your own at Styled, Staged & Sold.

Mary Lynn Stenzel with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty in Scottsdale, Ariz., suggests agents be proactive in discussing with their sellers the cleanliness and presentation expectations for showing appointments upfront. Don’t assume your clients know what to do. Also, agents might want to arrive early to a listing appointment to double-check that everything is in show-ready shape.
Here are the 10 most common responses from buyer’s agents when asked about the worst mistakes they see when presenting for-sale homes to clients:

1. Leftover home owners

By far, one of the top offenses cited by buyer’s agents was home owners still lingering around when agents arrived with clients to preview the home. Awkward encounters ranged from buyers finding sellers taking a shower, asleep in the bed, to even the “stalker sellers” who liked to follow buyers and the agent all over the home to see what they thought.
With the exception of the “stalker seller,” many of the home owners who were still at home blamed their listing agent for not giving them enough advance notice about the appointment prior.

2. Pets and their messes

Numerous agents also cited the not-so-friendly dog and kitty encounters as a top offense. Even pets left in a crate can pose a distraction since they might make noise the entire time others are in the house. Plus, if they seem mean, the buyer might not even step in the room.
Vicki Robinson, ABR, CRS, broker with Fonville Morisey Realty in Raleigh, N.C., says she recently was given showing instructions from a listing agent who told her the family’s “friendly dog” would be at home. But when Robinson unlocked the front door with her client for the showing, a pit bull was staring down at them from the top of the staircase, growling. “We closed the door and left!” she says.

3. Bad smells

A displeasing smell can really turn buyers off. Common offenses include cooking smells lingering around the home, such as garlic, fried bacon, or fish. Also, watch for cigarette smoke and animal smells, agents say.
“Sellers get immune to the smell that their pets have embedded on their property,” says Halina Degnan with Gables & Gates, REALTORS®, in Knoxville, Tenn. “Anyone opening the door will smell it immediately -- even if there are air fresheners trying to cover up the smell. If you have a pet, there will be an odor. Don’t send your buyers away: Paint and clean the carpeting. Take the odor seriously and do what is needed, even if it means replacing the carpet.”

4. Critters running wild

Wild animals and pests roaming around is a surefire way to send buyers running. Agents described worms crawling on the floor and bats and raccoons lounging in the attic. “I showed a house in Utah once with a baby alligator/crocodile [in a cage] in the dining room,” Kristi Hutchings, ABR, SFR, with the Wendy K Team The Real Estate Group in Utah.

5. Odd home makeovers

Do-it-yourself disasters were also prevalent, like doors opening the wrong way or unprofessional paint jobs. Also, rooms not being used for their intended purposes can confuse buyers, such as an office being used as a bedroom even though it has no closet, says broker Elaine Byrne with Elaine Byrne Realty in Austin, Texas.

6. Dirt and clutter

There were a number of offenses cited when it came to cleanliness: Dirty laundry piles, unflushed toilets, dishes on the counter or in the sink, unmade beds, clothes scattered about, soiled carpets, dirty air conditioner filters, and overflowing trash cans.
“One of the worst things I have seen is piles and piles of clothes in every room,” says Chris Leach, ABR, with Medel & Associates Realty in Riverside, Calif. “It was like an obstacle trying to walk around the mess.”

7. Personal information left in plain sight

Sellers should be careful not to leave in plain sight important documents that may pique buyers’ curiosity. Some agents say they’ve seen personal information like bank and credit card statements—even mortgage payoff notices—left on the kitchen counter.
“Buyers are nosey,” says Christopher Handy, ABR, GREEN, broker-associate with Bosshardt Realty Services LLC in Gainesville, Fla. “I’ve even seen the contract for the sellers’ next purchase sitting on the kitchen countertop or ‘final notice’ bills.”

8. Too dark

Dark or dimly lit houses aren’t showing the home in the best light.
“Particularly [homes lit with] CFL bulbs,” says Yvette Chisholm, ABR, CRS, associate broker with Long & Foster Real Estate in Rockville, Md. “By the time [the bulbs] light up, the buyer is gone.” Energy efficient bulbs need time to warm up before they are at their brightest, so staging professionals usually recommend agents arrive early to a showing to turn on any light fixtures with CFL bulbs at least 10 minutes prior.

9. Keys missing from lockboxes

All too often, agents arrive at a listing appointment with their client only to find there’s no key to get in. “I actually had a [seller’s] agent who wanted me to open the door for my clients by going through the dog run as a large dog barked like crazy,” says Hutchings.

10. Distracting photos

Watch the photos displayed on the walls too, agents warn. Tara Hayes, ABR, e-PRO, with Rector-Hayden, REALTORS®, in Winchester, Ky., recalls showing a family a home that had life-sized, nude photos hanging, which left her clients racing for the door covering their eyes.
Similarly, Angela Gandolfo, ABR, SFR, with Citywide Real Estate & Investment in Phoenix, recalls showing a home to a client, who was staring at a painting in the master bedroom of a woman in lingerie. “Isn’t that the owner?” the client asked. “She was also the real estate agent!” Gandolfo says.

Friday, October 19, 2012

Great event at the Annual Installation Banquet. Congratulations to our new President, Mark Konter of Konter Quality Homes who gave a very inspiring speech tonight to his fellow members. A special thank you to Read Brennan, who is officially in the "Past President's Club". Congrats also to Byron Loomis who received the Woody Woodward Memorial Award, Jeri Patrick for winning the Sales & Marketing Member of the Year Award and a HUGE Congratulations to Beth Williams for winning the coveted Hall of Fame Award....extremely deserving. We look forward to a wonderful upcoming year. Hope you all had a great time!!!

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Economists surveyed by CNNMoney believe that the housing market recovery is finally here.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- It's been a long time coming, but economists surveyed by CNNMoney believe the nation's housing market has finally turned the corner.
Of the 14 economists who answered questions about home prices in the survey, nine believe that prices have already turned higher or will make that turn later this year. Only three months ago, half of the economists surveyed by CNNMoney believed a turnaround in prices would not take place until 2013 or later.

Economists have been encouraged by a variety of readings, including three straight months of increases in the S&P/Case-Shiller home price index, a pick-up in sales of existing homes and home construction and a big jump in the price of new home sales. Mortgage rates are also likely to remain near record lows thanks to the Federal Reserve's purchase of $40 billion in mortgages a month for the foreseeable future.
"We're seeing the signs of a pulse in a sector that has been flat-lined for a number of years," said Sean Snaith, economics professor at the University of Central Florida. Related: Where home buying is most (and least) affordable
Determining when the housing market has turned the corner is important for more than home builders and real estate agents. Even before soaring foreclosures sparked a meltdown in financial markets in 2008, the housing market had become a significant drag on the economy. Housing continued to subtract from the nation's gross domestic product right up through early 2011.
But starting in the fourth quarter of last year, housing has been adding to growth. Lynn Reaser, chief economist for Point Loma Nazarene University, said housing is now bucking the trend in what is otherwise a sluggish U.S. economy. Related: Best housing deals in Best Places to Live
Still, economists don't believe housing is ready to be a major driver of economic growth, as it was during the housing boom and some earlier economic recoveries. But housing could keep the economy moving in the right direction.
Some of the economists surveyed said they believe there's been some fundamental change of thinking in the market place. Buyers who had postponed housing purchases while prices slid are finally more comfortable making the plunge.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- The long-battered housing market is finally starting to get back on its feet. But some experts believe it could soon become another housing boom.
Signs of recovery have been evident in the recent pick ups in home prices, home sales and construction. Foreclosures are also down and the Federal Reserve has acted to push mortgage rates near record lows.

But while many economists believe this emerging housing recovery will produce only slow and modest improvement in home prices, construction and jobs, others believe the rebound will be much stronger.
Barclays Capital put out a report recently forecasting that home prices, which fell by more than a third after the housing bubble burst in 2007, could be back to peak levels as soon as 2015.
"In our view, the housing market had undergone a dramatic over-correction during the prior five years, resulting in pent-up demand for housing purchases that would spark a rapid rise in housing starts," said Stephen Kim, an analyst with Barclays, in a note to clients.
In addition to what Kim sees as a big rebound in building, he's bullish on home prices, expecting rises of 5% to 7.5% a year.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Fannie Mae recently announced expansion of its Homepath Mortgage product that provides homebuyers and investors financing for the purchase of Fannie Mae-owned properties. The new product will allow eligible individual and LLC borrowers to finance up to 20 properties using the Homepath Mortgage. NAR has long called for expansion of financing opportunities for investors as a way to increase the absorption of REO properties. Fannie Mae will offer flexible lending terms and will not require appraisals of the properties. Visit Homepath.com for more information on the program and participating lenders.

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